ᐅ How can I retrofit an IKEA BESTA unit with dimmable LED lighting?

Hello everyone, I want to upgrade my IKEA Besta shelving unit with dimmable LED lighting. It is important to me that the lighting can be smoothly adjusted, ideally via remote control or smartphone, and that it has a pleasant warm white color. The LEDs should be installed as discreetly as possible, for example as strips or spots on the underside or inner sides of the shelves. Does anyone have experience with which products work well, how to best handle the power supply, and which dimmers are compatible? It would also be helpful to know whether it’s possible to install the lighting yourself or if it’s better to hire an electrician. Thanks for your advice!

You can use LED strips with 12V direct current, along with a compatible dimmer. It is best to choose between 3528 or 5050 LEDs, depending on the desired brightness. Power supply should be provided by a 12V power adapter. Remote controls are available as a set. Installation is simple, screws or adhesive are sufficient.

For retrofitting a dimmable LED lighting system in the IKEA BESTA, I recommend the following approach: - Use 12V LED strips with warm white light (approximately 2700K to 3000K) for a pleasant lighting effect. - A suitable power supply (12V, with sufficient current depending on the length of the LED strips) is required. - For dimmability, a PWM dimmer (pulse-width modulation) combined with a compatible controller is recommended. - Control options include remote control or Wi-Fi/Bluetooth controllers, which are commonly available. - For installation, LED strips with 3M adhesive tape on the back or small aluminum profiles that dissipate heat and protect the LEDs are suitable. - Electrical connections should only be made by individuals experienced in low-voltage electronics; otherwise, consulting a professional is advisable.

I did it like this: 12V LED strips, power supply hidden inside the cabinet, dimmer with remote control. You simply stick the LEDs to the underside of the shelves. No electrician needed if you handle the 12V system carefully.

KARJU schrieb:
For dimming, a PWM dimmer (pulse-width modulation) combined with a compatible controller is recommended.

Hello, thanks for the technical explanation. I’m particularly interested in whether there are any special considerations when choosing a PWM dimmer if I want to control it via smartphone. Can I use any dimmer with Wi-Fi, or do proprietary solutions often come integrated? Are there any recommended models that work well with smart home systems or Alexa?

The topic of dimming with smartphone control indeed requires some planning. Not every PWM dimmer is standardized or open to third-party apps. LED controllers with Wi-Fi or ZigBee that are compatible with popular smart home systems are recommended. Examples include controllers from brands that explicitly support Alexa or Google Home control. It is important to pay attention to the voltage and current specifications, and the LED strips must be suitable for such controllers. Integration into custom automations can then be done easily. Proprietary solutions are usually limited to the included app, offering less flexibility but simpler setup.